Big Easy? Don't Bet on It

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That was a diversion that I had not expected. Just as I was getting comfortable and expecting to spend some time back home in SLO, I got an urgent request to get on down to New Orleans to check out and look over a few things.

I suppose that over the years, I've been to the "Big Easy" about a half dozen times. My general impression has always been that the people are great, the food is terrific, and the music has to be heard to be appreciated. Once, I was there (unintentionally) for Mardi Gras and, not being an alcoholic, was unimpressed. As the years have gone by, I've come to observe that excessive public intoxication tends to bring out the worst in people, and New Orleans has certainly seen more than its share of that.

Mardi Gras is the least of the Big Easy's problems these days. Suffice to say that the level of ineptitude on display in local and state government in New Orleans is mind boggling in this day and age. By their standards, our worst local politicians are almost paragons of virtue. By comparison, Supervisor Jerry Lenthall's and Councilman Allen Settle's shading of the facts as to where they do or don't live are small potatoes and would go unnoticed in Louisiana. Fortunately, our standards are still higher than those they accept in New Orleans.

That said, I'm was glad to get back home last week after a (thankfully) brief detour to Washington to present my findings. I have a little follow-up report writing to do over the next week or so and will try to get caught up on local events. I've already had a chance to have lunch with a former mayor and a former city manager to start getting current. We dined downtown at Mo's BBQ, and the shredded pork sandwich and Firestone Double Barrel Ale were the perfect lunch I remembered them being.

It's good to be home.
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